Kathleen Merritt

KATHLEEN M. "KATHY" MERRITT, 87, died April 2, 2006. She was born May 6, 1918, in Peoria, Illinois, to Benjamin L. and Ruth Ann Martin McKinley, who preceded her in death. On December 24, 1941, she married William H. Merritt, who died February 20, 2006. Mrs. Merritt was a homemaker. She was a member of Market Street Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, for more than 50 years. She had been a member of the Shawnee Country Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54, ArtSpace Lima and the Lima Senior Citizens. She was a graduate of Lima Central High School and attended Ohio University, Athens, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She loved traveling throughout the United State and abroad. She also loved decorating, playing bridge and spending time with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and will be remembered for her smile, her elegant style and the classy, down-to-earth person that she was. Survivors include three daughters, Susan Louise Merritt (Mike) Fritchie and Sally Ann Merritt, both of Lima, Ohio, and Sandra Kay Merritt Chambers of Clearwater, Florida; six grandchildren, Merritt (Marie) Fritchie, Michael (Melissa) Fritchie, Kasi Vastano, Natalie (Chris) Taflinger, Melissa Chambers and Matthew Chambers; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Lester McKinley of Alabama. She was preceded in death by a son, Terrance Martin Merritt; and a brother, William McKinley. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. The Rev. Michael Jenkins will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 616 S. Collett St., Lima, OH 45805; or Gerad Center of Cancer Treatment, 830 W. Market St., Suite 200, Lima, OH 45801. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.